Austria's Latest Sleeper Trains Offer Unparalleled Luxury

A contemporary design signifies enhanced privacy and expanded amenities for rail travelers.

Austria's state-owned rail operator, OeBB, introduced its latest generation of sleeper trains over the weekend—a direct response to the growing demand from eco-conscious travelers seeking more eco-friendly alternatives to air travel and conventional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles.

Across Europe, night trains are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, primarily due to their minimal carbon footprint. After years of being overlooked, rail operators are now heavily investing in replacing their aging rolling stock.

OeBB, a state-run rail company with an extensive network of 20 rail routes across Europe, has been at the forefront of revitalizing these services. It boasts the largest fleet of sleeper trains in Europe and has ambitious plans to double its overnight passenger numbers, aiming to increase them from 1.5 million to three million by 2030.

The new sleeper trains offer a contemporary design that prioritizes increased privacy and enhanced amenities. Each two-person compartment comes equipped with its own restroom and shower. Moreover, solo travelers seeking more seclusion can opt for single-person cabins.

Reflecting on the transformation, 69-year-old retiree Rosemarie shared her sentiments, saying:

"I still remember the old sleeping coaches, which were so dark - the small window, the bunk beds and a curtain." She also added, laughing: "this is crazy - pure luxury."

The initial batch of 33 sleeper trains, ordered from the German conglomerate Siemens in 2018 at a total cost of €720 million, could potentially enter service as early as December. These trains will connect Austrian cities like Vienna and Innsbruck to the German port city of Hamburg.

Over the span of the next eight years, these modern sleeper trains will gradually be integrated into other routes in Austria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. OeBB CEO Andreas Matthae explained:

"France will have to wait a bit because this requires new approvals from the national railroad authority. Unfortunately, we are not yet a unified Europe in the railroad sector.”

Austria's commitment to eco-friendly transportation is evident as Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler pointed out, "Every kilometer traveled by train contributes to climate protection and a better future." She also expressed her excitement about the improved and more comfortable travel experience that these trains will offer in the future.

Since 2018, OeBB has ensured that all its trains operate solely on electricity generated from renewable sources, such as hydropower, solar, and wind power, marking a significant milestone for climate protection in Austria.

Matthae emphasized that OeBB will continue to lead the way in developing Europe's night train transport. The Berlin-Paris night train service is set to return on December 11, almost a decade after it was discontinued.

The inaugural passenger service for these new sleeper trains is scheduled for December this year, covering the Vienna-Hamburg and Innsbruck-Hamburg routes, with ticket presales starting on October 11.

 

Source: euronews.com